CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- For six years, "Giving Tree Charities" and the U.S.O have given military families a Christmas Carnival to thanks them for their service.

• Military families could play games, take pictures with Santa and enjoy a family style lunch
• Each child gets a present and a chance to win larger prizes in a raffle
• More than 250 children attended "Toys for Troops" this year

At "Toys for Troops" Saturday, military families could play games, take pictures with Santa and enjoy a family style lunch.

Each child gets a present and a chance to win larger prizes in a raffle.

These families say they need to savor each moment because they don't know if they will all be together next Christmas.

"My next Christmas, I might be overseas," said Army Veteran Darryll Boyd. "So, this Christmas here is very special."

More than 250 children attended "Toys for Troops" this year.